Triangle coaches trade jokes before games begin

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Cary, N.C. — Their conference media days complete and practices yet to begin, college football coaches from across the Triangle gathered Thursday for a rare opportunity at levity before the serious work of the season sets in.

The annual Pigskin Preview luncheon, a combination fundraiser and press conference, turned into a cut-up contest between coaches going for the biggest laugh.

Duke's David Cutcliffe credited superstition with his team's 6-7 record and Belk Bowl appearance.

"I was actually pulling into the stadium and a dang black cat on Friday the 13th walked right in front of me," he said. "So I backed up and went all the way around to the other side of campus to go in. That's the reason we played in a bowl game last year!"

A few feet away, North Carolina Central head coach Henry Frazier III turned that story into a lesson. "I'm going to send a bunch of black cats over to Duke on Aug. 31," he said. Frazier's Eagles open the season against the Blue Devils.

In his second season, Larry Fedora, of the University of North Carolina, has adapted to the good-natured ribbing and camaraderie of the ACC.

"You guys are used to this. I think it's taken for granted," he said. "It's no where like this anywhere else in the country."

"Some conferences, their coaches don't get along," said East Carolina's Ruffin McNeill. "But this group does. Life is short, so enjoy it."

For the newcomer to the group, Dave Doeren of North Carolina State University, the fit is a little too close for comfort.

"I like being around other coaches. I like talking football with them, but this close to when we're trying to beat each other, it's overkill a little bit," he said.

NothingButNetAug 3, 2013

This coming from someone who really knows what it's like to have his OWN ace handed to him by other posters in these sports forums.

Go ASU!

— Posted by iamcousinbooger

+ a million.

Hokie is a legend in his own mind. Too bad he has no concept of reality. At all.

iamcousinboogerJul 27, 2013

Hokie 94 is claiming that:

&quot;He(Doeren) will get his azzz handed to him this year and the next.&quot;

This coming from someone who really knows what it's like to have his OWN ace handed to him by other posters in these sports forums.

Go ASU!

StunGunnJul 26, 2013

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And Fedora did not last year? I'm sure you were drinking his kool Aid last year at this time.

— Posted by NCSU84

Fedora didn't make a big deal out of the rivalry the way the Doeren is doing. He didn't say things like, &quot;I have blue eyes and I bleed red, and I HATE those guys.&quot; Doeren focuses too much on Carolina.

I didn't drink any Koolaid when Fedora took the head coaching job. He seemed (and still does) like a high energy guy who would work hard to get the program back on track. I didn't know enough about Fedora to be drinking the blue Koolaid.

HammerheadJul 26, 2013

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I'm glad Coach Doeren doesn't have to drink Red-Bull to get motivated.

— Posted by packfan07

Artificial enthusiasm. The Viagra of &quot;energy&quot; drinks.

packfan07Jul 26, 2013

I'm glad Coach Doeren doesn't have to drink Red-Bull to get motivated.

NCSU84Jul 26, 2013

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Doeren seems like a nice guy, but he does carry that "Gotta hate UNC" theme a bit too far.

— Posted by Jeanne Gunn

And Fedora did not last year? I'm sure you were drinking his kool Aid last year at this time.

packfan07Jul 26, 2013

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Hey Doeren,

Chill dude. We may be adversaries on the field, but that really needs to be where it stops. I know your job depends on a winning record and beating UNC above all things. But, if you can't handle being friendly to your opponents off the field, then most of the fans except for the nut cases won't be behind you.

— Posted by Wheelman

And Fedora is counting the days.

StunGunnJul 26, 2013

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Hey Doeren,

Chill dude. We may be adversaries on the field, but that really needs to be where it stops. I know your job depends on a winning record and beating UNC above all things. But, if you can't handle being friendly to your opponents off the field, then most of the fans except for the nut cases won't be behind you.

— Posted by Wheelman

Doeren seems like a nice guy, but he does carry that &quot;Gotta hate UNC&quot; theme a bit too far.

ciscopackJul 25, 2013

Hatman was sad that water was the refreshing drink; he was about to die for a Red Bull or 5.

HammerheadJul 25, 2013

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Doeren wants the first bus ticket outta Raleigh to Wisconson.

— Posted by Jewelry-EricLeak

Nah. I think Anderson will do a fine job up there, WI fans are quite happy to have him. A lot of Badger fans were not disappointed to see Bielema go. He fits in perfectly with the SEC. He may have rubbed off on Doeren a bit.